Rural Economy of France since 1789. 
523 
that prosperous ami peaceful period." Among- the reforms ac- 
complished under Louis XVI. may be cited the celebrated edicts 
which removed the last vestiges of serfdom, established free trade 
in corn and wine in the interior, and unconditionally abolished 
corvees, jur ancles, exclusive rights relating to the preservation 
of game, to dove-cotes and open warrens. The abolition of tithes, 
although a measure of more questionable policy, at all events 
relieved landed property from a heavy direct impost, and sti- 
mulated the investment of capital in agricultural pursuits. 
Agriculture felt the influence of this movement ; and although 
its advancement was limited by the want both of capital and of 
modern scientific knowledge, still the mere removal of arbitrary 
barriers gave it a mighty impulse. Two most important achieve- 
ments of French agriculture had been for some considerable time 
already realized — the introduction of the culture of maize, and 
the production of silk ; but it was at this time Parmentier intro- 
duced and extended the culture of potatoes, and Daubenton 
brought into France the Spanish-Merino sheep. And now, 
with the hearty co-operation of the privileged classes, a new 
constitution had been framed conferring equal rights on all, and 
providing for the due administration of justice and finance, so 
as to give security to the person and to property, 
M. de Lavergne thus sums up the benefits which the peace- 
ful Revolution of 1789, voted by the States-General and sanc- 
tioned by the King, had secured to the nation : — " Behold," he 
says, "the tithes and feudal rights abolished. From that 
moment, all the consequences which such an act could have for 
agriculture, were secured. At the same time all burdens upon 
the land, in the shape of tolls and dues, were declared redeem- 
able, the equal liability of all estates to public taxation was 
proclaimed. The other rights of the man and citizen, such as 
personal liberty, the right of acquiring property, the freedom of 
labour, liberty of conscience, liberty in speaking and writing, a 
voice in the imposition of taxes, and a share in the government of 
the country, were no longer denied. These are the conquests 
which have revived and truly bestowed fertility on the soil." To 
thi« must be added the law of the 28th September, 1791, which 
breathes the same spirit, and enacts as follows : — " 1st. The soil of 
France is free like those who dwell thereon ; consequently every 
landed estate can be subjected only to those usages established 
or recognised by the law, and to the sacrifices which may be 
required for the public weal, due compensation being in both 
cases previously agreed upon. 2nd. The landowners are fi-ee 
to vary as they think proper the culture and management of 
their land ; to regulate their crops as they think fit, and to dispose 
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